Etiquette isn’t dead

Sure, the web has made communication more brief, more casual, and a lot more impersonal. But people haven’t ceased to have feelings, so etiquette shouldn’t fly out the window.

My friends at RedStamp, a modern stationery company based in Minneapolis, recently released an iPhone app that makes it a cinch to brighten someone’s day and add that personal touch to your correspondence. I’ve been using it every day since I downloaded it — sending thank yous, best wishes and condolences to friends and colleagues. Each note is customized and unique, setting itself apart from trite Facebook wall posts and inbox clutter.

Every card I’ve sent has gotten an emphatic response because it was unexpected and brightened someone’s day. In fact, because the app is so fun to use, I find myself sending these kinds of messages far more often than I used to. I’m reminded now just how important etiqeutte and common kindness are to the health of our relationships and community.

You can send via email, post to Facebook or Twitter, or even — get this — send it as a postcard via mail with the exact same design. The SVG image technology that RedStamp uses allows the cards to look great both digitally an in print.

This is only V1 of the app, and new features and bug fixes are being released every week. It’s such a powerful little app, I can’t stop myself from thinking of a whole slew of ideas to share with the RedStamp team. They’re a small, nimble and highly engaged company, so if you see anywhere they can improve, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and I’ll be sure to pass them along.

Thank the people who’ve helped you today, or even those who’ve just tried. Congratulate someone on their win, or console someone on their loss. Go out of your way to show that you care, without much effort at all. Kindness travels far, so do it in style.